Kushite archers in Xerxes' army were elite troops from the Kingdom of Kush, located in the region of modern-day Sudan. Renowned for their exceptional skill with the bow, these archers were a crucial part of the Persian king Xerxes I's forces during his invasion of Greece in 480 BCE. Equipped with powerful longbows and arrows, they could strike enemies from a considerable distance with great accuracy. Kushite archers often wore light armor and carried small shields, allowing them to maintain their mobility on the battlefield. Their inclusion in Xerxes' diverse and multi-ethnic army showcased the vast reach and integration of different cultures within the Persian Empire, and they played a significant role in providing ranged support during key battles such as Thermopylae and Salamis.
Herodotus describes the Kushites in Xerxes army as wearing the skins of animals such as Lions and Leopards. Kushite archers are described as carrying 6ft bows made from palm wood and using small arrows tipped with agate. Some modern African tribes can still be seen using these weapons. Interestingly the arrows are flightless and carried in small leather bags.
Contains:
8 metal figures
